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Ben Shank has been appointed as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

In preparation for the Four Seasons’ much-anticipated return to Philadelphia, Ben Shank has been appointed as General Manager of the new Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. The appointment marks an exciting homecoming for Shank, who started his career in hospitality almost two decades ago at the original Four Seasons in Philadelphia, which the company operated from 1983 to 2015. Having worked his way across the continent and up the ranks with Four Seasons positions in New York, San Diego, Maui, Scottsdale, and Orlando, Shank will be returning to his hometown to take the helm as Four Seasons prepares to open its doors again in Philadelphia. Shank began his career with Four Seasons as a busboy at the popular Fountain Restaurant in Philadelphia before earning a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Penn State University, and ultimately becoming the restaurant’s General Manager. With his keen interest and increasing experience, Shank took leadership roles in the high-energy food and beverage departments at Four Seasons in New York, Maui and San Diego, before being promoted to Resort Manager in Scottsdale. Most recently, he served as opening Resort Manager in Orlando, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of the 443-room hotel, including its much-lauded restaurants and bars, large spa, and extensive recreational facilities.

Choice Hotels International Announces Cambria Hotels Topping Off in Philadelphia Downtown

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, along with Pearl Properties and Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company announced today the "topping off" of the Cambria Hotel Philadelphia, marking installation of the final exterior beam during construction.

Tim Paroulek has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hyatt at The Bellevue

Philadelphia’s iconic Hyatt at The Bellevue, located along the world-famous Avenue of the Arts in the heart of downtown and known for its rich and storied history, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Paroulek as Executive Chef. Paroulek has been working for Hyatt Hotels Corporation for over 15 years and brings almost two decades of culinary experience to his new position, most recently overseeing the culinary operation at Grand Hyatt Incheon, the largest Hyatt property outside North America. In his new role, Paroulek will bring a uniquely influenced upscale American cuisine to the luxury hotel and to the city of Philadelphia. As Executive Chef, Paroulek will oversee the entire culinary operation at Hyatt at The Bellevue. Not only will he be involved in managing the property’s fine dining restaurant XIX (Nineteen), known for its sweeping views of Philadelphia from the 19th floor of the hotel, but he will also oversee in-room dining as well as banquet and events menus for the hotel.Tim Paroulek started his culinary career at Northwood’s in Annapolis where he learned basic Italian and French cooking techniques and skills. In 2002 Paroulek joined Hyatt, working at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Resort, Spa and Marina as a line cook. Within two years he was promoted to a supervisory position at the property’s seafood restaurant, Blue Point Provisional Company. Two years later he helped open the prestigious Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt Washington D.C. where he worked his way up to Senior Sous Chef. Paroulek left Blue Duck Tavern to open Shor Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort Spa & Marina as Chef de Cuisine, as well as manage the property’s existing Mediterranean restaurant Medi. After leaving Curacao Chef Paroulek traveled to South Korea to take on the role of Chef de Cuisine of Restaurant 8 at the Hyatt Regency Incheon where he was eventually promoted to Executive Sous Chef during the opening of a second tower and re-branding of the property to the Grand Hyatt Incheon. Chef Paroulek eventually oversaw the hotel’s entire kitchen operations before taking on his new role at Hyatt at the Bellevue.

Claudine McGee-Bounds has been appointed as General Manager at Courtyard Philadelphia Coatesville/Exton

Waterford Hotel Group has announced the promotion of Claudine McGee-Bounds to General Manager of the 125-room Courtyard by Marriott in Coatesville, PA. As General Manager, Bounds is responsible for all of the hotel’s operations, sales and administration, as well as the associates employed at the property. Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel and convention center management firm, professionally manages the 125-room hotel.

Pina Purpero has been appointed as General Manager at Hyatt at The Bellevue

Hyatt at The Bellevue, one of the most iconic hotels in Philadelphia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pina Purpero as General Manager. In her new role, Purpero will manage all aspects of the hotel, its day-to-day operations and oversee a multi-million dollar renovation, set to be complete this spring. Ideally situated on the world famous Avenue of the Arts, one of the most vibrant tourist destinations in the United States, the historic Hyatt at The Bellevue is an appealing combination of luxe modern interiors and old-world architecture, tucked inside a Beaux-Arts building that has earned a spot on the National Registry of Historical Places.

Jerod Byrd has been named Managing Director at HVS Philadelphia Consulting & Valuation Office

HVS announced that Jerod Byrd recently received his MAI Designation from the Appraisal Institute and was promoted to Managing Director of the Philadelphia Consulting & Valuation Office. Byrd’s hotel market expertise is focused on New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions. He has conducted hundreds of hotel consulting and appraisal assignments including market and feasibility studies and valuations of existing and proposed hotels, as well as portfolio projects. As Managing Director and Senior Partner, he leads a team of hotel professionals whose collective experience spans major Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey markets, supporting rapid turnaround of authoritative reports of regional hotels.